Word to the Wise
Sunday, May 12, 2019 - 4th Sunday of Easter - C
[Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rev 7:9, 14b-17; John 10:27-30]"My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand." [John]
This Sunday is traditionally known as "Good Shepherd Sunday," because the gospel scripture is taken from chapter ten of the Gospel According to John in which Jesus presents the image of the shepherd and sheep as a metaphor for the relationship between him and those who believe in him. The image is familiar to most Christians and I often see it featured in stained glass windows in churches. The words of Psalm 23 come to mind, "The Lord is my shepherd....."
I urge the Beloved Congregation to read the entire image (first 30 verses) of chapter ten of the Gospel According to John. Jesus presents himself as shepherd, gate, and corral! He assures those who believe in him that they will not perish as long as they hear his voice and follow him. This builds on the common Palestinian practice of a common corral for all the sheep from the village. Each shepherd has a distinct call which he or she makes at the gate and the sheep that belong to that flock will separate out from the larger group and follow that one shepherd! Pope Francis has focused on the duty of the shepherd to have "the smell of the sheep!" He tells us shepherds that we have to walk ahead to lead, in the middle to encourage, and at the end to gather any stragglers!
Throughout the image, the focus is on the security of faith. The Good Shepherd will not abandon us, no matter what, if we stand fast in faith. The gospel scripture for Monday will feature this in greater detail. Stay tuned! AMEN